Kyle Talks

Kyle Horton

Welcome to Kyle Talks, where I’m Kyle and we talk! In this podcast we focus on society, culture, & business! We interview amateurs, professionals, winners and those who are struggling along the way. What can we learn from society and how can we participate in culture? What does creating culture look like for rap artists, producers, youtubers, and even streamers? What’s this health professionals' ideology behind modern science? How can I be better? More important;y, is a hotdog a sandwich? On this podcast our goal is to talk to anyone and everyone. To learn, laugh, cry, and even create with others. We create a culture of communication, learning, and laughs. We sit down with people from all different walks of life, chat with them, and laugh with them. At Kyle Talk’s the name of the game is connection. So, go ahead, download a couple of episodes and get plugged into community and culture! Let’s talk! 

  1. DEC 20

    (#179) Is It Wrong to Be Paid to Believe Something?

    Send us a text What happens when conviction meets compensation? In this episode of Kyle Talks, Kyle sits with a question that doesn’t have an easy answer. Is it wrong to be paid to spread a message if you genuinely believe in it? And why does the idea make so many of us uncomfortable? Rather than taking a side, this episode explores the gray space between belief, influence, transparency, and trust. From lobbying and brand partnerships to political messaging and online influence, Kyle examines why money attached to belief feels different than money attached to work and why that discomfort matters. This is not an episode about outrage or exposure. It’s about curiosity, ethics, and learning how to think more carefully about the messages we consume and the people who deliver them. In this episode, Kyle explores: Why being paid to advocate feels different than being paid to workHow belief becomes personal, emotional, and tied to identityThe difference between paid messaging and paid beliefWhether transparency changes how we perceive influenceWhere persuasion ends and manipulation beginsWhy discomfort can be a sign that a conversation is worth havingKyle doesn’t offer a clean conclusion. Instead, he invites listeners into the uncertainty and asks them to wrestle with the question alongside him. Links: Harvard Study on Comp/Trust Lobbying/Paid Advocacy Study Paid Political Messaging Pysch of Persuasion  Transparency in Media Social Media: Insta/X: kyleTHEhorton Youtube: Kyletalkss Tiktok: KyleTalkss Intro: Head In The Clouds by Matthew Morelock Outro: Surfaces Type Beat - Jellyfish Beats Support the show

    35 min
  2. DEC 13

    (#178) Manipulation vs Messaging: Where’s the Line?

    Send us a text In today’s episode, we’re pulling back the curtain on something we all feel but rarely talk about:  Why does so much of what we see online — protests, trends, “viral” moments, political messages — feel engineered? And more importantly…  Where’s the line between honest persuasion and outright manipulation? Kyle breaks down the gray area between influence and orchestration, exploring questions like: What we cover in this episode: Why most public messaging (left, right, corporate, activist) is coordinatedHow “organic” viral moments often aren’t organic at allThe blurry boundary between influence, strategy, and manipulationHow social media algorithms amplify emotion — not truthWhy transparency matters more than everThe ethics of engineering a message, even if the message itself is trueHow orchestrated narratives shape our culture without us realizing itKyle also shares: Research on political communicationStudies on influencer persuasionData on media trust and social media viralityReal examples of modern messaging tactics (without naming groups or pointing fingers)The big question we leave you with: “If a message is true… but engineered… does it change how you feel about it?” This episode is all about curiosity, not conclusions — and invites listeners to think deeply about the media ecosystem we live in, and how it shapes what we believe. Links:  MIT Sloan research on misinformation spreading faster than truth   Study: Shares without clicks on Facebook and social platforms   UNESCO influencer fact checking study   KFF misinformation poll snapshot  Social Media: Insta/X: kyleTHEhorton Youtube: Kyletalkss Tiktok: KyleTalkss Intro: Head In The Clouds by Matthew Morelock Outro: Surfaces Type Beat - Jellyfish Beats Support the show

    30 min
  3. DEC 6

    (#177) Chatting With You: Why We Hide, Why We Break, and Why We Still Try

    Send us a text In today’s episode, we’re jumping into three real listener questions  and each one hits a core part of what this podcast is all about: conversation, courage, and growth. We talk about:  “Do people actually change their minds?” I break down why yes, minds can change  but not through debate, dunking, or proving someone wrong. Minds change through relationship, respect, and the slow work of understanding.  “Why am I so scared to share what I really think?” We go deep into the fear of judgment and how cancel-culture thinking makes honest conversation feel dangerous. I share practical steps to speak with courage while still protecting your peace.  “How do I rebuild after a massive failure?” This one gets personal. We talk about confidence after collapse, the difference between shame and reflection, and what starting over actually looks like  financially and emotionally. Why this episode matters Because these questions are the everyday struggles that shape how we treat people, how we talk to each other, and how we grow. If you’ve ever wanted better conversations, less fear, or a clearer path forward after messing up  this episode is for you. Listen if you want to learn: How to talk to people you disagree withHow to be honest without being terrifiedHow to rebuild your confidence after failureWhy human conversation still matters in 2025What real emotional maturity looks likeSocial Media: Insta/X: kyleTHEhorton Youtube: Kyletalkss Tiktok: KyleTalkss Intro: Head In The Clouds by Matthew Morelock Outro: Surfaces Type Beat - Jellyfish Beats Support the show

    38 min
  4. NOV 22

    (#175) How to Change Minds: Polling, Experience & Empathy with Doug Kaplan

    Send us a text In this episode of Kyle Talks, I sit down with Doug Kaplan, founder of Kaplan Strategies and a veteran public opinion pollster, to dive deep into what really drives people’s beliefs — and how we can talk to one another more thoughtfully. We explore the tension between data and lived experience, what it takes to persuade without dehumanizing, and why understanding public perception matters in every part of our lives. Doug shares lessons from his career in polling thousands of campaigns, explains how he separates meaningful signals from public noise, and walks us through his perspective on the power of respectful dialogue — even when we strongly disagree. Key Themes / Talking Points: The real psychology behind how opinions are formed (emotion vs. information)The role of social media in dividing or connecting peopleHow to interpret polling data in a way that doesn’t strip away humanityWhy “changing minds” isn’t just about winning arguments — it’s about understanding peopleLessons from public opinion work that apply in business, leadership, and cultureWhat gives Doug hope about the future of public conversationWhy You Should Listen: If you’ve ever wondered why people believe what they do, or how to talk to someone with a totally different worldview, this episode will give you fresh insights and practical wisdom. Whether you care about politics, conversations at work, or just connecting better with people around you — Doug’s experience will challenge and encourage you. Social Media: Insta/X: kyleTHEhorton Youtube: Kyletalkss Tiktok: KyleTalkss Intro: Head In The Clouds by Matthew Morelock Outro: Surfaces Type Beat - Jellyfish Beats Find Doug here Send your question in @ KyleTalksPodcast@gmail.com Support the show

    33 min
  5. NOV 8

    (#173) Ficonomy: Less Money, More Stress? SNAP Explained During the Shutdown

    Send us a text In this Ficonomy episode of Kyle Talks, we break down what’s really going on with SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) during the government shutdown — no politics, no yelling, just facts and practical advice. We explain what SNAP is, why the government shutdown affects it, how much funding is actually available, and what that means for your grocery budget. Whether you receive SNAP yourself, know someone who does, or just want to understand how federal programs touch everyday lives, this episode helps you cut through the noise and plan smart.  In This Episode What SNAP Actually Is — A simple explanation of how it works, who it serves, and why it matters to 42 million Americans.How the Shutdown Disrupts It — Understanding how federal funding pauses ripple down to your grocery card.What’s Happening Right Now — We break down reporting from:NPR: SNAP food benefits and the government shutdown CBS News: SNAP benefits cut to 65% amid shutdown News-Press (Florida): Partial SNAP benefits during November shutdown What This Means for You — Possible benefit delays, partial payments, and what to expect in your state.Practical Money Moves — Tips for stretching groceries, checking your EBT balance early, and finding local support while waiting for updates.How to Stay Ahead — Tracking updates from USDA and your state’s SNAP site, plus listener questions for next week’s follow-up. Key Takeaways Many households could see 65% of their usual benefit this month due to funding shortfalls.The USDA is using a $4.6 billion contingency fund, but full coverage needs ~$9 billion monthly — so shortfalls are real.Delays are likely; check your EBT balance early and plan conservatively.Local food banks and state aid can help bridge short-term gaps.This situation is temporary — plan for the dip, not the disaster. Resources Mentioned NPR – SNAP & Shutdown Coverage (Nov 2025) CBS News – USDA to Pay 65% Benefits During Shutdown News-Press – Florida SNAP Update (Nov 2025) USDA Food and Nutrition Service – Official SNAP Updates Feeding America – Find a Local Food Bank Intro: Head In The Clouds by Matthew Morelock Outro: Surfaces Type Beat - Jellyfish Beats Social Media: Insta/X: kyleTHEhorton Youtube: Kyletalkss Tiktok: KyleTalkss Send your question in @ Support the show

    36 min
5
out of 5
26 Ratings

About

Welcome to Kyle Talks, where I’m Kyle and we talk! In this podcast we focus on society, culture, & business! We interview amateurs, professionals, winners and those who are struggling along the way. What can we learn from society and how can we participate in culture? What does creating culture look like for rap artists, producers, youtubers, and even streamers? What’s this health professionals' ideology behind modern science? How can I be better? More important;y, is a hotdog a sandwich? On this podcast our goal is to talk to anyone and everyone. To learn, laugh, cry, and even create with others. We create a culture of communication, learning, and laughs. We sit down with people from all different walks of life, chat with them, and laugh with them. At Kyle Talk’s the name of the game is connection. So, go ahead, download a couple of episodes and get plugged into community and culture! Let’s talk!